Bambino! 15 of 15, Jio 19 of 19, Iliad 7 (Level Comics 2 November 2011 manga) [UPDATED]

Also, Dawn of the Arcana 3 and Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 8 that Imma lead with later when this MinimaList gets the NikBabble™ reboot. «Update: What did I say? :)

Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo © Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke/Gentosha
[Serialized in Comic BIRZ]
Published in Indonesia as Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files by Elex Media/Level Comics

Leading with Kyoko who looks too totally bad-ass...

After defeating Kano and saving the world, Kyoko searches for the truth about her origins. Her quest takes her to Kyoto, site of the special Oni jail, the Demons' Circle, which serves as the prison for the remaining members of her clan, the Kurogane brothers. Does Kyoko manage to meet Kurogane? For sure she finds unexpected help in Raiko, an Oni hunter toting a huge sword.

[Additions from Taifu Comics' Kyoko Karasuma, Tome 8 synopsis]

Level recommends Kyoko Karasuma as a fun and exciting take on ancient Japanese myths, presented in a series of suspenseful cases — a story of a future Japanese police force trying to eradicate the evil that hides in plain sight. If you haven't tried out Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke's seinen supernatural manga starring a 16y.o. detective, take a look at the value sets on offer. KKCF volumes 1–5 for only IDR 45,000. You can build from that. ^^

Volume 8 compiles chapters 55-63: Goburi, Penjaga Bulan Malam, Home Town, Lingkaran Iblis, Patung Pahlawan, Kurogane, Monster yang Dilepas, Pelarian, Pasukan Pembunuh Iblis and Satu Orang Karasuma Lagi. I don't know what's the latest chapter out in Comic BIRZ nor the most recent chappie collected in latest tankou 9, published in Japan December 2010.

Moar previews after the release list.

Level Comics manga (2011.11.02)

1. Bambino! vol 15 of 15 by Sekiya Tetsuji [Finale]

Bambino! 「バンビ～ノ！」 by Sekiya Tetsuji Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 15 first published in Japan 2009.04

Awards
Winner, 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards for the Seinen/General category (tied with Kuromaru- & Natsuhara Takeshi's The Black Swindler/Kurosagi)

Related series
Bambino! Secondo (sequel; volume 9 street date: 2011.11.30)

Adaptations
An 11-episode live-action adaptation starring Matsumoto Jun (Shogo Ban) and Kitamura Kazuki (Yonamine Tsukasa/Yona-san) aired on NTV from April to June 2007. The TV series reaped four awards at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor (Matsumoto Jun), Supporting Actor (Kazuki Kitamura), Best Director and a Special Award.

2. Dawn of The Arcana (Reimei no Arcana) vol 3 of 8+ by Toma Rei «Ex-10.19

Reimei no Arcana 「黎明のアルカナ」 by Toma Rei Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo Volume 3 first published in Japan 2010.02

Other languages
English Dawn of the Arcana (VIZ Media: Volume 1 street date: 2011.12.06), French (Kazé Editions: L'Arcane de l'aube: Tome 3 shipped 2011.09 • Tome 4 street date: 2011.11.24)

Related
The Reimei no Arcana -Hajimari no Koku- 「黎明のアルカナ－始まりの刻－」 light novel was published in Japan in 2011.02 under Shogakukan's Flower Comics Lululu Novels label

3. Devil Devil vol 6 of 15 by Miyoshi Yuuki

Devil Devil 「デビデビ」 by Miyoshi Yuuki Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 6 (nine episodes/chapters 48-56) first published in Japan 1999.07

Other languages
French (PIKA Édition: 15 volumes)

4. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) vol 85 of 97+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「はじめの一歩」 by Morikawa Joji AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 85 first published in Japan 2008.09

Volume 85 contains:
Round 807: Beatdown Tour
Round 808: Better Off Not Seeing
Round 809: Two Strong Willed Men
Round 810: Dad's Style
Round 811: Full of Weaknesses
Round 812: Inherited Dream
Round 813: Always Watching
Round 814: When The Cherry Blossoms Bloom
Round 815: Cherry Blossom Memories
Round 816: The Two Champions
[*NOT Level chapter titles]

Awards
Winner, 1991 Kodansha Manga Awards in the Shounen category

Related series
Hajime no Ippo Gaiden (one-shot prequel)

Other languages
French (Kurokawa: Ippo, Saison 2: Destins de Boxeurs Tome 16 per 2011.09) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 第一神拳 96 per 2011.08)

Adaptations
A 76-episode anime by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Kiyasu Kohei (Makunouchi Ippo), aired on NTV from October 2000 to March 2002. A sequel/special, Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road, came out in June 2003, followed by the spinoff Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura OAV (2003.09). The 26-episode second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger was telecast from January to June 2009.

5. Iliad vol 7 of 15 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku

ILIAD ~Nyuu ya dou kenbun roku~ 「イリヤッド～入矢堂見聞録～」 by Uoto Osamu & Toshusai Garaku Shogakukan Big Comics, seinen Volume 7 (eight episodes/chapters 49-56) first published in Japan in 2005.01

6. Jio vol 19 of 19 by Kishimoto Seishi [Finale]

Jio 「６６６～サタン～」 by Kishimoto Seishi Square Enix Shonen Gangan, shounen Volume 19 (chapters 73-76) first published in Japan 2008.02

Other languages
English O-Parts Hunter (VIZ Media: 19 volumes), French (Kurokawa: 19 volumes) and Italian (JPOP)

7. Karakuri Circus vol 6 of 43 by Fujita Kazuhiro

Karakuri Circus 「からくりサーカス」 by Fujita Kazuhiro Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, shounen Volume 6 (nine episodes/chapters 47-55) first published in Japan 1999.02

Reissues/Other languages
Reissued in shinsō-ban beginning July 2011 (Shonen Sunday Comics Special volume 6 street date: 2011.11.18) and in 16 wide-ban volumes (from 2008.11 to 2010.02)
French (Delcourt: Karakuri Circus Tome 21 per 2007.12)

8. Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files (Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo) vol 8 of 9+ by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke

Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo 「烏丸響子の事件簿」 by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke AKA Kyoko Karasuma - Detective of the Asakusa Police Department Gentosha Comic BIRZ, seinen Volume 8 (chapters 55-63) first published in Japan 2009.12

Other languages
French (Taifu Comics: Kyoko Karasuma, Inspecteur à Asakusa Tome 9 shipped 2011.10.13), German (Carlsen Comics: Kyoko Karasuma: Detective of the Asakusa Police Department latest - Band 9), Russian (Comix-ART)

9. Magister Negi Magi (Mahou Sensei Negima!) vol 28 of 36+ by Akamatsu Ken

Mahou Sensei Negima! 「魔法先生ネギま！」 by Akamatsu Ken Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 28 first published in Japan 2009.11

Volume 28 chapters:
250. Again, to Mahora Academy!!
251. Reunion with Destiny
252. My Partner ♥
253. The Hesitant Maidens' Pactio Dreams ♥
254. The Other Mastermind!
255. Which Path Will Negi Choose?!
256. Invitation from the Darkness
257. The Plan to Return to the Real World Begins!
258. To the Core of the World's Secrets!
[*NOT Level's titles]

Other languages
English Negima! (Del Rey until volume 28 and Kodansha Comics: starting from volume 29 [2011.05] • volume 32 street date: 2011.11.22 (US) and Chuang Yi Singapore: MAGISTER NEGI MAGI, Volume 27 per 2011.02), simplified Chinese (Chuang Yi: 魔法老师 #31 per 2010.10), traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan: 魔法老師! 35 per 2011.10.19), French (Pika Édition: Negima! Tome 33 per 2011.10.05 • Tome 34 street date: 2012.01.04), Spain (Glènat España), Germany (Egmont Manga & Anime: Negima! Magister Negi Magi Band 32 released 2011.10.07 •; Band 33 street date: 2012.01), Norwegian (Schibsted Forlag), Portuguese (Editora JBC Brazil) and Croatian (Algoritam Croatia).

Adaptations
A 26-episode anime TV series starring seiyuu Satou Rina as Negi Springfield (January-June 2005), three pre-anime OAVs (2004), two post TV series OAVs (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Haru and Mahou Sensei Negima!: Natsu, 2006.10.25 and 2006.11.22), an alternate retelling anime series (Negima!?, 2006.10-2007.03), OADs or Original Animation Disc bundled with the manga (Mahou Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba, 2008.08.17-2009.02.17; Mahou Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai, 2009.09.17-2010.11.17; and the anime movie that concludes the Magic World arc, Mahou Sensei Negima: Anime Final (premiered 27 August 2011 in Japan as a double-bill with Hayate the Combat Butler! Heaven Is a Place on Earth). A live-action drama aired on TV Tokyo from 2007.10 to 2008.03.

10. Miso-Com (30 Kon Miso-com) vol 12 of 13+ by Yonezawa Rika

30 Kon Miso-com 「３０婚　ｍｉｓｏ‐ｃｏｍ」 by Yonezawa Rika Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 12 first published in Japan 2011.03

Other languages
Traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 待嫁熟女 12 per 2011.10.13)

11. Team Medical Dragon (Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon-) vol 20 of 25 by Nogizaka Taro/Nagai Akira

Iryuu -Team Medical Dragon- 「医龍」 by Nogizaka Taro, Nagai Akira, Yoshinuma Mie (Medical Supervision) Shogakukan Big Comic Superior, seinen Volume 20 (chapters 158-165) first published in Japan 2009.02

Awards
Winner, 50th Shogakukan Manga Awards in the Seinen/General category

Other languages
French (Glénat: Tome 17 shipped 2011.07 • Tome 18 street date: 2011.10.19)

Related
My First BIG Special limited edition releases: Iryū Oyasumi (Japan release: 2011.01); Iryū Yōchi (2010.12); Iryū Tokken (2010.11); Iryū sennō (2010.10); Iryū Himitsu Heiki (2010.09); Iryū Sōtei-gai (2007.12); Iryū Hakui (2007.11); Iryū Kyōju no Shishitsu (2007.11); Iryū Kiken na masui (2007.10); Iryū Kango-shi to Isha (2006.06); and Iryū Kanja no Ishi (2006.04)

Adaptations
Three seasons of the live-action adaptation, starring Sakaguchi Kenji (Asada Ryutaro), aired on Fuji TV (Season 1: April to June 2006; Season 2: October to December 2007; Season 3: October to December 2010). The first season won the Best Drama award at the 49th Television Drama Academy Awards.

[Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details.]

[Value sets] Paket Komik *Harga Spesial* (2011.11.02)

1. Ice Forest, Vols. 1-5 (of 9+) by Saito Chiho [IDR 45,000/set]
2. Jepang Tenggelam, Vols. 1-10 (of 15) by Komatsu Sakyou/Ishiki Tokihiko (Nihon Chinbotsu) [IDR 90,000/set]
3. Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files, Vols. 1-5 (of 9+) by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke (Karasuma Kyoko no Jikenbo) [IDR 45,000/set]
4. Last Inning, Vols. 1-9 (of 31+) by Nakahara Yu & Kamio Ryu [IDR 81,000/set]
5. The Ravages of Time, Vols. 1-5 (of 43+) by Chan Mou (Huo Feng Liao Yuan) [IDR 45,000/set]
6. Shattered Knife, Vols. 1-5 (of 12+) by George Asakura (Oboreru Knife) [IDR 45,000/set]
7. Sora!, Vols. 1-5 of 5 by Yajima Masao & Hikino Shinji (SORA! ~Flight Attendant Monogatari~)  –Complete–  [IDR 45,000/set]

Note: Volume tallies represent original volume totals, not (necessarily) Level Comics' latest release. Most recent Level releases of ongoings: Ice Forest vol 7 (6.15), Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files vol 8 (11.02), Last Inning vol 9 (3.23), The Ravages of Time vol 13 (10.12), Shattered Knife vol 10 (10.12). Level has already concluded Jepang Tenggelam (vol 15 of 15 per 9.22).

European comics/ROMICs [BDs] (2011.11.02)

1. Jojo - Pilihan Buat Charlotte (Jojo - Les choix de Charlotte) by André Geerts (Dupuis)
2. Lucky Luke - Tortila Untuk Dalton (Lucky Luke, Tome 31: Tortillas pour Les Dalton) by Morris & Goscinny (Dupuis)
3. Spirou dan Fantasio - Virus (Spirou et Fantasio, Tome 33: Virus) by Tome & Janry (Dupuis)

Read more »

Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 3, A Spirit of the Sun 5, Blade of Immortal 9 (Level Comics 11 August 2010 manga)

Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo © Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke
Gentosha (Serialized in Comic BIRZ)
Published in Indonesia as Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files by Elex Media/Level Comics

The uneasy treaty-mandated peace between the Oni and humanity finally shatters: Oni start attacking people even in broad daylight. With war imminent, Chief Mitamura Kanba welcomes SAS' Sugiura Miki as the linchpin of a new anti-Oni combat unit. Meanwhile, Asakusa detective Karasuma Kyoko races against time and escalating violence for the key to uncovering the origins of the monsters terrorizing Tokyo 2050.

Level summary nashi, devised the Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files 3 blurb above from the French Kyoko Karasuma, Inspecteur à Asakusa and German Kyoko Karasuma: Detective of the Asakusa Police Department tome 3 and band 3 synopses (Taifu and Carlsen Comics editions). So, for any mistakes, blame (sasuga) ore.

Still in Tokyo, but almost half a century earlier —

A Spirit of the Sun 5 of 17+ by Kawaguchi Kaiji

“This is the only chance for a new life!”

10:20AM. Tokyo is devastated by an earthquake. In 2017, beneath the submerged city submerged, a man dreams of a new future. Munakata Misao, a local government aide, thinks of a way to rebuild the nation by delving into his memories of that fateful day in 2002 when the cataclysm struck. Then, Misao was in Shibuya with girlfriend Eri, and having decided to run away with his father and little sister to escape debt collectors, Misao found himself rejoicing over the tragedy that not only destroyed the capital but also wiped out his family's debts.

Level hypes this new “Heart of Darkness” tale to kick off the Japan arc in A Spirit of the Sun volume 5.

Blade of Immortal 9 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

As Rin and Manji separately pursue their quarry in Blade of Immortal 9, Ibane Kensui strikes a deal with Kagehisa Anotsu. He offers the Ittō-ryū leader the Shingyoto-ryū dojo on platter — if Anotsu consents to wed Ibane's foster daughter Hisoka. [Adapted from the L'habitant de l'infini, Tome 9 description (Casterman edition), with additions from Wikipedia]

Moar blurbs after the manga and bande dessinée lists.

Level Comics manga (2010.08.11)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. A Spirit of The Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) 5 of 17+ by Kawaguchi Kaiji

Taiyou no Mokushiroku 「太陽の黙示録」 by Kawaguchi Kaiji Shogakukan Big Comic, seinen Volume 5 first published in Japan 2004.04

Volume 5 contains chapters:
31 15年目の贈り物
32 宗方操の未来
33 崩壊せしもの
34 地の叫び
35 二人の王
36 政治家の気概
37 ロックウェル・プラン

Awards
Best seinen/general manga, 51st Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Abe George and Kakizaki Masasumi's Rainbow) and Grand Prize winner for the comic category, 10th Japan Media Arts Festival.

Adaptations
Adapted into an anime special by Madhouse. Two episodes aired on 2006.09.17 and 2006.09.18 in Japan.

2. Blade of Immortal (Mugen no Juunin) 9 of 26+ by Samura Hiroaki

Mugen no Juunin 「無限の住人」 by Samura Hiroaki Kodansha Afternoon, seinen Volume 9 first published in Japan 1999.06

Awards
1997 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize recipient

Other language versions/serializations
Blade of the Immortal is published in English by Dark Horse Comics (Volume 22: Footsteps released 2010.02.03 • volume 23 street date: 2011.01.18). Published in French by Casterman (L'habitant de l'infini tome 24 released 2010.04); in Italian by Planet Manga/Panini Comics; in German and Polish by Egmont; in Portuguese by Conrad (Brazil); and in Swedish by Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB (serialized in Manga Mania).

Adaptations
A 13-episode anime adaptation by Bee Train starring seiyuu Seki Tomokazu as Manji and Satou Rina as Asano Rin aired in Japan on AT-X from July to December 2008.

3. Half an Apple (1/2 no Ringo) 3 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

1/2 no Ringo 「１／２の林檎」 by Koyama Yukari Kodansha Kiss KC, josei Volume 3 first published in Japan 2006.03

4. Hotaru's Light (Hotaru no Hikari) 10 of 15 by Hiura Satoru

Hotaru no Hikari 「ホタルノヒカリ」 by Hiura Satoru AKA It's Only Little Light in My Life Kodansha Kiss, josei Volume 10 first published in Japan in 2007.10

Adaptations
The 11th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix award-winning live-action adaptation aired between July and September 2007 on NTV. The 10-episode Glow of Fireflies drama starred Ayase Haruka (Hirose Aki, Crying out Love in the Centre of the World) as Amemiya Hotaru and Fujiki Naohito (Ikemen Sobaya Tantei) as Takano Seiichi. The pair reprise their roles in the second season that premiered July 2010 on the same network.

5. Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files (Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo) 3 of 8+ by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke

Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo 「烏丸響子の事件簿」 by Hiroi Ohji & Kozaki Yusuke AKA Kyoko Karasuma - Detective of the Asakusa Police Department Gentosha Comic BIRZ, seinen Volume 3 first published in Japan 2005.04

Other language versions
Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo is published in French by Taifu Comics (tome 8 scheduled 2010.10); in German by Carlsen Comics (latest Band 8); and in Russian by Comix-ART.

6. Subaru 8 of 11 by Soda Masahito

Subaru 「昴」 by Soda Masahito Shogakukan Big Comic Spirits, seinen Volume 8 first published in Japan 2002.02

Other language versions
Published in French by Akata/Delcourt (11 of 11 volumes); in Spanish by Glènat España (Spain); in German by Egmont; and in traditional Chinese by Tong Li (Taiwan).

Related series
Moon—Subaru Solitude Standing— (sequel, ongoing; volume 6 as at 2010.05)

Level Comics European comics (2010.08.11)

1. Lucky Luke - Hukuman Gantung (Les Aventures de Lucky Luke d'après Morris, tome 2: La Corde au cou) by Laurent Gerra, Achdé, Anne-Marie Ducasse, Morris (Dupuis, 2006)
2. Spirou - Sarang Marsupilami (Spirou et Fantasio, tome 12: Le Nid des Marsupilamis) by Franquin (Dupuis, 1960)
3. Yakari - Para Tawanan Pulau (Yakari, tome 9: Yakari et les prisonniers de l'île) Florence Mortimer, Derib, Job (Le Lombard, 1983)

Level Comics reissues (2010.08.11)

Links are NOT toggle links; they will take you to the original release posts.

1. [RE-STO] Grass Crown by Yoshimura Akemi
2. [RE-STO] Harlequin: Marriage Without Love by Penny Jordan, Shibata Ayako
3. [RE-STO] Still Dreaming by Yoshimura Akemi

¹ Sources: Elex STO 11 August 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 18,500 each except Blade of Immortal and Subaru 8 (SRP: IDR 19,500). ROMICs are IDR 30,000 each except Spirou - Sarang Marsupilami (IDR 38,000/volume). The reissued manga retail at pre-hike prices: Grass Crown - IDR 17,000; Still Dreaming - IDR 18,000; and Harlequin: Marriage Without Love - IDR 13,800.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links for other language versions.

Manga volume previews continued...

Half An Apple 3 of 14 by Koyama Yukari

“I dream of a future with you.”

With his wedding to Hikaru fast approaching, Shindo bends over backwards to book the highest sales at work; sadly, a last-minute mistake by Hikaru forbids Shindo from further client dealings. The couple asks for Natsuko's help to set the misunderstanding straight, but instead of aiding, Natsuko capitalizes on Hikaru's error to steal Shindo away.

Hotaru's Light 10 of 15 by Hiura Satoru

Hotaru returns to her old haunt with Seiichi-san insolvent. Into her dried fish despondency shines a little light: she meets the broken-hearted Kaname and finds renewed energy in a plan to reunite Kaname and Yuka. But instead of being praised for concocting the most romantic of dates for the couple, Hotaru faces censure from colleagues — and Yuka herself!

Subaru 8 of 11 by Soda Masahito

Subaru meets NYCB leading light Priscilla who escaped to watch the Sisteron ballet company perform for convicts. So impressed is she with the principal dancer that Subaru leaves her friends and follows Priscilla to New York. Priscilla initially welcomes Subaru, even inviting her to a performance, but then changes her mind and orders Subaru to go home. What could Priscilla be thinking?

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

disclaimer

Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

other upcoming manga (11 August 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: The Ruler of Nabari 12 · Vampire Knight 3 · Beauty Honey 1 by Matsumoto Tomo · Piano Hutan 17 · Dorabase 18 · Kaiser Z 15 · Magic Peddler Roma 1 by Kurazono Norihiko · Otoboke Section Chief 5 | Shonen Star 70/2010
• m&c!: Sparkling Gingachou 10 of 10 · Bleach 32 · Bakugan Battle Brawlers 9 · Go! Hiromi Go! 2 · Ijime: The Invisible Malice by Igarashi Kaoru · Miracle Ball 10 · Sugar Family 2 · Yabuuchi Yuu Fan Book | Confucius 2

currently available manga (4 August 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Vampire Knight 2 · Topeng Kaca Bidadari Merah 11 · Claymore 15 · Coz We're Not Children 2 of 2 · Godhand Teru 25 · Hidamari Sketch 2 · Kurozakuro 5 · Look Up! 2 · New Sexy Simpleton 6 · Summer Storm! 3 ·Yureka 17 · Shonen Magz 75/2010
• Level Comics: ARMS 18 · Happy Hello Work at Age 21 volume 3 · Hikayat Genji 3 · Jio 8 · Love & Collage 10 · Over Rev 13 · Tomo'o 10 · Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy 1 by Nishi Yuuji · Lucky Luke - Sang Hakim · Michel Vaillant - Tragedi Bercy · Smurf - Smurf Magang · Yakari - Terbang Laksana Gagak
• m&c!: Bleach 31 · ChimaChima Papetto by Hina · The Strawberry Marshmallow 6 · Triple Honey by Yamanaka Rico · Wizard in July by Tanaka Meca · Yowamushi Pedal, Go! 8 · Toutou and Friends - Ayam Panggang by Soffritti/Brrémaud/Reynès · Sejejak Harap by Gita & Rie

related monthly schedules

August 2010
Premiering The Running Bus by Sahara Mizu and Until Death Do Us Part by Takashige Hiroshi

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga · Amazon France · Wikipedia · ANN

Technorati tags
Level Comics · manga · josei · seinen · Blade of the Immortal · Half an Apple · Hotaru's Light · Kyoko Karasuma's Case Files (Karasuma Kyouko no Jikenbo) · A Spirit of the Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku) · Subaru | ROMIC (BD): Lucky Luke · Spirou et Fantasio · Yakari

xxxHOLiC 9, Gokusen 14, Genius Family Company 3 (Level Comics 21 July 2010 manga)

Tensai Family Company © Ninomiya Tomoko/Gentosha (Gentosha Comics Manga Bunko)
Published in Indonesia as Genius Family Company by Elex Media/Level Comics

May contain [SPOILERS!]

Domeki shares Watanuki's powers and gains the Time Witch's part-timer's ability to see youkai and ayakashi. Watanuki Vision™ further allows Domeki to witness Watanuki's encounter with a girl under a sakura tree — despite his absence from the scene. Is the girl introduced in xxxHOLiC 9 a preternatural creature or a flesh and blood human?

Del Rey hints as to her real identity in its xxxHOLiC 9 blurb: Like Watanuki, she can detect spirits, and together they try to avert an exorcism. (Del Rey adds that before this, Watanuki unknowingly buys a deadly dream — although going by the later escapade with Sakura Girl, Watanuki obviously survives the man-eating nightmare.)

As for the next two most popular Level manga GET! (both josei) —

Genius Family Company 3 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko

Do you intend to go bankrupt??

The third bunko of Ninomiya Tomoko's Genius Family Company has Katsuyuki overnighting at Nagasawa Kyoko's gallery and ending up clobbered by Nagasawa's father who mistakes him for some pervert salaryman. Forced to look for other work to fund his studies abroad, Katsuyuki part-times at a bookstore, little knowing that the store is owned by Nagasawa's dad. Eventually, though, Katsuyuki learns of the true financial state of the business: it's struggling in Danger Red territory!

Gokusen 14 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko

The Gokusen penult surprises us with Shinohara-sensei's kidnapping as he prepares to resign his commission as the Kuroda attorney. The abductor's identity unknown, the entire Ooedo Clan panics. Shin suggests that Yankumi pose as an Obfuscating Stupidity Normal to investigate the lawyer's abduction; she's all over the idea and with Shin and the Kuroda canine Fuji, tries to pick up Shinohara-sensei's trail.

As luck would have it, Shin runs afoul of the perp when the Hot for Teach bishounen tries to rescue the Future Mother of His Children Yankumi from a trap.

Can Bad Bad Acting, Badass Teacher Yankumi save both Shin and Shinohara? And what's the deal with taking the lawyer hostage, anyway?

(As mentioned last month, I'm amped for the Shinkumi OTP payoff that the Gokusen 2K8 special chapter reportedly brings and as such, having trouble waiting for after Morimoto Kozueko's XX-chromosomed GTO runs its course before I start reading it. *prays for volume 15's speedy release*)

FINALES: Revolution No.3 Vol. 3 of 3 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu

Fight!! Ippo 77 and Priest 7 previews are after the fake cut.

With the third Revolution No.3, it's a wrap for Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu's Zombies trilogy (sequels Fly, Daddy, Fly and Speed finished earlier). Level, however, didn't supply a synopsis, so I'm just going to list the Beatles' songs-inspired chapters: (22) Don't pass me by; (23) Come together; (24) Shout; (25) She loves you; (26) Do you want to know a secret; (27) Flying; (28) If I needed someone; (29) I call your name; (30) With a little help from my friends; and (31) Let it be.

Level Comics manga and manhwa (2010.07.21)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. Fight!! Ippo (Hajime no Ippo) 77 of 92+ by Morikawa Joji

Hajime no Ippo 「 はじめの一歩 」 by Morikawa Joji (or George) AKA Fighting Spirit Kodansha Weekly Shonen Magazine, shounen Volume 77 (containing chapters 724-734) first published in Japan 2006.08

AWARDS
Recipient of the 1991 Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shounen Manga

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Hajime no Ippo is translated into French as Ippo, la rage de vaincre by Kurokawa.

ADAPTATIONS
A 76-episode anime by Madhouse, starring seiyuu Kiyasu Kohei as Makunouchi Ippo, aired on NTV from October 2000 to March 2002. A sequel, Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road (special), came out in June 2003, followed by the spinoff Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura OAV (2003.09). The second season Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (26 episodes) was telecast from January to June 2009.

2. Genius Family Company (Tensai Family Company) 3 of 6 by Ninomiya Tomoko

Tensai Family Company by Ninomiya Tomoko 「 天才ファミリー・カンパニー 」 Gentosha Gentosha Comics Manga Bunko, josei Volume 3 (bunko) first published in Japan 2008.09

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Tensai Family Company is translated into French as Tensai Family Company - Génies en tous genres by Asuka Comics.

3. Gokusen 14 of 15 by Morimoto Kozueko

Gokusen 「 ごくせん 」 by Morimoto Kozueko Shueisha YOU, josei Volume 14 first published in Japan 2006.10

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS/SERIALIZATIONS
The traditional Chinese Gokusen (極道鮮師) is published in Taiwan by Sharp Point Press.

RELATED
Re-released in 17.4 x 11.4 x 2.6cm “Handy Editions” (ハンディ版　ごくせん) with specially commissioned CG cover art under Shueisha's QC/Queen's Comics imprint from January to June 2008. A special chapter also appeared in the January 2008 issue of YOU. The series returned for two installments in 2009 (July 1 and 15 issues) to mark the Gokusen feature film release. (See ADAPTATIONS below)

ADAPTATIONS
Three seasons of the live-action series starring Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko (“Yankumi”) ran on Nippon Television in 2002, 2005, and 2008, with two TV specials (Gokusen Special: Sayonara 3-nen D-gumi; 2003.03 and Gokusen 3: Graduation Special; 2009). A feature film (directed by TV series director Sato Toya) premiered in Japanese theaters in July 2009. A 12-episode anime adaptation produced by Madhouse aired on NTV from January to March 2004, with seiyuu Hayamizu Risa and Suzumura Kenichi as Yankumi and Sawada Shin.

For her portrayal of Yankumi in the first season, Nakama Yukie received the Best Actress award at the 33rd Television Drama Academy Awards, a prize she will go on to win for the same role at the 44th and 57th Television Drama Academy Awards. Seasons 1 and 2 co-stars Matsumoto Jun (Shin) and Kamenashi Kazuya (Odagiri Ryu) won the Best Supporting Actor awards at the 33rd and 44th Television Drama Academy Awards respectively. The second season also won Best Drama at the 44th Television Drama Academy Awards.

4. Priest 7 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

Priest 「 프리스트 」 by Hyung MinWoo Daiwon C.I. Champ Comics, seinen Volume 7 first published in Korea 2000.07 Series on hiatus from volume 16

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
Priest is published in North America by TOKYOPOP (16 volumes). Other global releases: France (by Tokebi) · Germany (Tokyopop Germany) · Poland (Kasen Comics) · Italy (J POP) · Brazil (Lumus).

ADAPTATIONS
A film adaptation starring Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, and Maggie Q is expected to premiere on 13 May 2011 in the U.S. (The Indonesian screening schedule is slated to begin 20 April 2011.)

RELATED
Priest: Purgatory, an original TOKYOPOP series, is scheduled to debut in August 2010 (GN volume 1 street date: 2010.08.10).

5. Revolution No.3 Vol. 3 of 3 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu [Finale]

Revolution No.3 「 ＲＥＶＯＬＵＴＩＯＮ　Ｎｏ．３ 」 by Kaneshiro Kazuki & Akishige Manabu Shogakukan Young Sunday, seinen Volume 3 (containing chapters 22-31) first published in Japan 2004.08

RELATED
Part of the Zombies series, which includes sequels Fly, Daddy, Fly and Speed

6. xxxHOLiC 9 of 17+ by CLAMP

xxxHOLiC 「 ×××ＨＯＬｉＣ 」 by CLAMP Kodansha Young Magazine, seinen Volume 9: 信じましょう、未来を。あの子達を (Shinjimashō, Mirai o. Ano ko-tachi o or Let's believe in the future. In those children. containing chapters 52-58) first published in Japan 2006.07

OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS
xxxHOLiC is published in North America by Del Rey (volume 15 released 2010.03.23 • volume 16 street date: 2010.10.26). Other global releases: UK (Tanoshimi; licensed by Del Rey) · France (Pika Édition) · Norma Editorial (Spain) · Italy (Star Comics) · Germany (Egmont) · Sweden (Bonnier Carlsen) · Grupo Editorial Vid (Mexico) · Brazil (JBC)

ADAPTATIONS
A 24-episode anime adaptation by Production I.G aired from April to September 2006 in Japan, followed by a 13-episode sequel xxxHOLiC: Kei (2008.04 to 2008.06) and a two-episode OAD xxxHOLiC: Shunmuki (2009.02 to 2009.06). The xxxHOLiC Rō OAD shipped 23 April 2010, along with manga volume 17.

A theatrical film adaptation xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream premiered in Japan before the first anime season (2005.08.20). The movie was a Feature Films finalist in the 2006 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, but lost out to the France/UK/Luxembourg production Renaissance.

Seiyuu Fukuyama Jun and Ohara Sayaka play the roles of Watanuki Kimihiro and Ichihara Yuko in all adaptations.

RELATED
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (crossover) · xxxHoLic: ANOTHERHOLiC Landolt-Ring Aerosol by NisiOisiN (Novel; side story) · Soel to Larg: Mokona=Modoki no Bouken (Novel; side story)

At least three official fanbooks have been released in Japan: Gekijōban ×××HOLiC Official Fanbook (2005.08.17) · TV Animation ×××HOLiC Extra Official Guide (2006.05.17) · Shinpan ×××HOLiC Dokuhon (2006.11.17)

¹ Sources: STO 21 July 2010 (release schedule) and Komikologi (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² All GN cost IDR 18,500 each except Genius Family Company 3 (SRP: IDR 29,500).
³ Links like this are Amazon commercial search and/or product links, in case you're interested in another language version.

Volume previews continued...

Fight!! Ippo 77 of 92+ by Morikawa Joji

Just as Ippo's doubts over boxing reach critical mass, Mari tells him an anecdote about a certain pugilist. Mari's story reminds Ippo of why he took up boxing in the first place. Resolve rekindled, Ippo returns to the Kamogawa ring and goes up against Scarred Jimmy, the notorious boxer who sidelines his opponents — permanently.

Hajime no Ippo volume 77 contains:

• Round 724: Deep Hole
• Round 725: The Weight of Fists
• Round 726: A Different Route
• Round 727: Scarred Jimmy
• Round 728: The Fist of God
• Round 729: Disrupt the Startup
• Round 730: Gamble or Threat
• Round 731: Tornado
• Round 732: Only One Thing
• Round 733: Half-Hearted Punches
• Round 734: Unfamiliar Fight

Priest 7 of 16+ by Hyung MinWoo

With the Domas Poradas unsealed, the fallen angel Temozarela escapes, leaving Ivan Isaacs in his place. The moribund Ivan is compelled into entering into a sacrilegious contract with the demon Beliel to break free from his prison. Thus, a young priest's quest for proof of God ends (as TOKYOPOP's Priest Book 7 blurb puts it) in eternal damnation.

Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

disclaimer

Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

other next available manga (21 July 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Q.E.D. 34 · Juvenile Remix 4 · New Sexy Simpleton 5 · Hell Girl 5 · Sanzoku Ou: King of Bandits 2 · Kurozakuro 4 · Real 9 · Katsu! 6 · Geobreeders 13 · Coz We're not Children 1 by Seta Haruhi · Crows 10 · Shonen Magz 74/2010
• m&c!: Happy Cafe 15 of 15 · Innocent Dragon 6 · Idol Shopping 1 by Hwang MiRee · Female Wolf's Boy 1 by Han YuRang · Sandwich Girl 1 by Han YuRang · Ugly Duckling Become Swan 1 by Hwang MiRee · Long Hu Men 169 | AMERO comics (Dark Horse): Actions Speak by Sergio Aragones · Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures 7

currently available manga (14 July 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Fairy-Tale Motif Brocade 5 of 5 · Hell Girl 4 · Kaiser Z 14 · Kumpulan Cerita Berwarna Doraemon 4 · Libero Revolution! 11 · New Sexy Simpleton 4 · Paket Doraemon Movie (Jakarta) by Fujiko F. Fujio · Penguin Revolution 5 · Red-Haired Snow White 3 · Rockwell the Scarlet Knight 1 by Nadatani Wataru · Summer Storm 2 · Tena on S String 1 by Mikabe Sesuna · Toradora 1 by Zekkou · V.B. Rose 5 · Nakayoshi 82/2010 · Shonen Star 68/2010 · [RE-STO] Eyeshield 21 volumes 1-10 | Kitchen Princess volumes 1-10 of 10 | One Piece volumes 1-10, 11-20, 21-30 ad 31-40 box sets
• Level Comics: 3x3 Eyes 31 · Akihabara@Deep 5 · Fight!! Ippo 76 · Miso-Com 3 · Nanase Fire Investigator 4 · Restore Garage 251 volume 7
• m&c!: Bakugan Battle Brawlers 8 · Go! Hiromi Go! 1 by Asou Mikoto· How to Be a Man 1 by Yamada Nanpei · The Princess Bouquet 3 of 3 · Sakura Wars 9 of 9

related monthly schedules

Level Comics July 2010 manga
Premiering Soul Eater by Ohkubo Atsushi and Yokohama Chinatown Fantasy by Nishi Yuuji · Ending Diamond Life

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · manaworld.com · Wikipedia · ANN · TV Tropes

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